A new generation of business traveller

The DATASET2050 project does not only examine current European passenger profiles but also looks at possible passenger types in 2035 and 2050. To develop future demand profiles, current ones are either adjusted (see Current European PAX profiles), or new profiles are developed. As there is still a lot of uncertainty regarding how we are going to live and travel in the future, and since the project follows a data-driven approach, only passenger characteristics that can be supported by data are taken into consideration. Examples for developments supported by data are the ageing population in Europe, the increase in single households and the tendency to have fewer children per household.

For 2035, six future passenger profiles for the EU28 and EFTA countries are developed. Among these, the Digital Native Business Traveller was identified as one of the main passenger types in Europe. This group takes a journey mainly for occupational reasons and it can be seen as the new generation of business traveller. However, due to the high usage of technological devices one can assume that this passenger type is constantly connected and always online in continuous digital exchange with the private life, friends and family. He or she will be in the typically age of the working population of around 24 to 64 years, which today represents the digital savvy Generation Y and Generation Z. The income level and amount for transport expenditure will be medium to high. 0.5 to 1.5 trips per capita per year are taken, either alone or accompanied by another person. A large share of this passenger type will be female as the increase in female tertiary education enrolments might lead to an increase in working women within higher professions and hence an increase in women travelling for business purposes. Finally, he or she does not mind checking in luggage but takes only hand luggage when going on short trips. Public transport, taxi or car sharing are the preferred airport access mode choices.

Figure: The new generation of business traveller is digital savvy and constantly connected, enabled by emerging technology and new innovations to come.

This is one example of how a typical passenger group in 2035 could possibly look like. The outcome of all passenger demand profiles will be put in contrast with coming work packages (i.e. future supply profile), enabling this way a complete assessment on the European door-to-door mobility in the future. More information about the remaining passenger types, the methodology and databases can be found in the report on future passenger profiles.